Let's get things straight here. Not all old people listen to classical music and not all teenagers listen to so called alien music. Both generations can find a connection in music. Admit it, how many times have you found yourselves wanting to dance along with your mom or dad when you hear an 80s song playing on the radio? Music has a way of bringing both generations together. It knows how to stir up something in our hearts and that's a beautiful thing! So please don't automatically stereotype each other's taste in music because for all we know that old lady's the one listening to Metallica while we're the ones listening to Frank Sinatra!

CLOTHING

The clothing style for every generation has always been very different. From gowns that are heavier than the wearer to dresses that could pass off as undergarments, from pants that need suspenders to those that stoop lower than people's bottoms, the changes in people's clothing have caused quite the argument between the old and new generations. Most elders would call modern clothes today sleazy and slutty while the generation today would say that it's more liberal and expressive. Personally, I think that the argument on what a woman or man should wear is ridiculous. We should all just respect what each person wants to wear. People should dress more for themselves than for other people. Teens must remember though that freedom of expression is one thing but there are always "appropriate clothing depending on the occasion". What's important is that we remember that what we wear may say a lot about who we are, but our disrespect can say loads more about ourselves.

LINGO

The lingo we have today is far different from those of our elders. The short cuts such as LOL, TMI, OMG, NR, and so many more are treated as an alien language. Teens usually end up making fun of the mistakes that our elders make when using the lingo instead of helping them understand us. Another big thing that has changed is the teens' prevalent and fond use of curses. I have to admit that we know it's wrong and we know it can be disrespectful. Some may use it as a form of nonchalant expression but we know it's true when our parents say there is always another way to express thyself, like maybe “fudgecakes”.

As the decades have rolled by, the world has seen many drastic changes in society. It's no surprise that most teens today can't even begin to relate to their parents. The change in music, clothing, beliefs, lingo, and most importantly technology is so different, it's pretty ridiculous. You have to wonder how it's possible to create a connection with our parents. Despite all of these, there's always a spark, even just a tiny one that ignites a bright and beautiful bond.

BELIEFS

Most of the arguments we get into with our parents are caused by our differences on points of view. Parents tend to have traditional beliefs. Most traditionalists believe we shouldn't have a romantic relationship with the same sex or that divorce shouldn't be legal along with many other issues. But If there's one thing we both have in common is our belief to express our beliefs and stand by them which often leads to arguments. I'm not saying that it's wrong to tell people what you believe in, but there is a fine line between giving our opinion and being disrespectful.

TECHNOLOGY

The biggest change that has occurred in our lifetime is technology. In a 30 year span we evolved from landline phones which could only place calls and messages, to the smart phone which can basically do everything. Our parents and grandparents grew up having to research in libraries while now all we need is Google. We are the digital citizens and they are the digital migrants. Their grasp on the advances in technology we have today aren't usually as good as ours. I'm not saying also that all adults have limited knowledge on tech but most have a hard time coping with the rapid evolution of technology. Which is why we, the younger generation should learn to be more understanding of our elders' lack of tech-savviness. We should also not take advantage of their technological ignorance out of respect at the very least. As for our elders, it's also important that they also try to understand and immerse themselves into the beautiful world of technology. It can be amazing and scary but remember that it's always up to each one of us, young or old.

Being so different from our parents can have its disadvantages but it can also be a wonderful thing. The amount of knowledge we can gain from one another will not only help each other improve but will also be able to strengthen the bond between parent and child.

I think the major problem we have today with our parents is the lack of communication and open dialogue. We often end every argument with them with "You don't understand anything!" We say this to them again and again, and yet we never really try to explain why we feel like they don't understand. Our parents love us and do want to understand us. They only want the best for us and that is why they cling on to their traditional beliefs, they believe these will be good for us. Some times, they are correct but then again our parents should also be able to keep an open mind. Like in every relationship, it should be give and take; both parties should be able to listen to each other to have a real dialogue. Honestly, this is easier said than done but I believe consistent work on the relationship can make this a possibility. If we remember that we love each other and value our relationship more than being right, then there is hope. Remember that once long, long, ago our parents were teenagers too!